1. A Training and OPtimization System for Log SAWing Sun Joseph Chang School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Baton Rouge, LA 70803

8. Defect Identification on Cross-sectional Views

21. Results of Replication of Log #3 BoardSawmill ResultsTOPSAW Results IDBoard SizeBFGradeValueBoard SizeBFGradeValue A16.25”x 12’6FAS$6.346.3”x 12’61C$3.72 A210”x 12’101C$6.209.8”x 12’101C$6.20 A36.25”x 9.15’5FAS$5.206.95”x 9.15’5FAS$5.20 A48.25”x 12’8FAS$8.328.4”x 12’12FAS$8.32 A510.25”x 8’7FAS$7.2810”x 8’7FAS$7.28 A65.25”x 12’5SEL$4.006.2”x 12’6SEL$4.80 A77.25”x 12’7FAS$7.287.3”x 12’7FAS$7.28 A86.75’x 12’7F1F$6.937.2”x 12’7F1F$6.93 A97.25”x12’71C$4.347.3”x 12’71C$4.34 Cant7”x 6”x 12’42NA$10.507”x 6”x 12’42NA$10.50 Total$66.29$64.57

22. Details of the seven red oak logs scanned Log #GradeLarge End Diameter Small End Diameter LengthBoard Feet (Inches) (Feet)(BF) 1117.5014.1311.7569 2117.5012.7511.9244 3114.2513.7511.9256 5214.0013.0012.6761 6211.6211.0012.4237 7214.7513.8812.2561 8214.8814.1312.2575

23. Comparison between sawmill and simulation results Comparison 1Comparison 2Comparison 3 Simulation Results$479.05$497.26$356.62 Sawmill Results$422.06 $278.42 Percent Gain13.5%17.8%28.1%

24. Challenges for the Internal Defect Based Sawing Optimization System Hardware: A fast, more powerful, strong, durable, and low cost scanner Software: A fast optimization software

25. With a fast solution algorithm and smart programming, a real time optimization software has been developed

26. Optimal Cutting Sequence Cut No.ThicknessVolumeGradeValue (in inches) (in board feet) ($) 1 4/4 6.5 1C 4.00 2 5/4 12.9 FAS12.77 3 6/4 17.4 1C14.09 4 8/4 26.0 1C21.73 5 6/4 20.0 1C16.26 6 6/4 18.8 1C15.21 7 5/4 14.3 FAS15.54 8 6/4 13.4 FAS 15.31 9 4/4 5.4 1C 3.31 » »Total Volume 134.8 BF Total Value $118.22

27. Results related to Log #3 Sawmill production: $66.29 TOPSAW replication: $64.57 TOPSAW simulation: $91.32 (+ 37.8% over sawmill production) TOPSAW optimization: $118.22 (+29.5% over simulation, +78.3% over sawmill production)

28. A comparison between live sawing optimization and sawmill production Log Live sawingSawmill Optimization Production Log 1$92.35$84.20 Log 2$94.97$69.91 Log 3$118.22$66.29 Log 5$100.48$64.81 Log 6$74.25$32.42 Log 7$45.23$59.44 Log 8$63.23$41.81 Average Gain 40.5%

30. A Comparison between Live Sawing and Bi-directional Sawing Optimization Log Live Sawing Bi-directional Sawing Optimization Optimization Log 1$92.35$93.94 Log 2$94.97$107.7 Log 3$118.22$122.73 Log 5$100.48$107.9 Log 6$74.25$74.8 Log 7$45.23$53.6 Log 8$63.23$71.3 Average gain of bi-directional over live sawing 7.3%

31. Why we need TOPSAW Log cost accounts for about 60% of the hardwood lumber production cost based on the data of the 1997 Census of Manufactures StateCost ofValue of log cost as a % MaterialsShipmentsof shipments IN1193952114610.56 KY2215083914090.57 MO1485122413560.62 OH1540802604510.59 PA4325037206750.60 WV2551494220820.60 mean=0.59 std=0.02

32. increasing log conversion efficiency, therefore, produces a significant gain in lumber revenue and mill profit It holds the key to the competitive advantage in the future.

33. Only the Paranoid survives Our competitors also recognize that, particularly our Canadian friends up north.

34. Only the Paranoid Survives Canadian softwood sawmills already have an edge over their U.S. counterparts. Despite a 27% import tariff, Canadian softwood sawmills can still undercut domestic producers in the US market.

35. In terms of hardwoods, over the last 10 years, US hardwood log exports doubled and Canada ’ s share of the export increased from 59% to 70%. As a result, more than ever US hardwood logs are sawn into lumber in Canada.

36. Forintek Canada has embarked on a sawing optimization project similar to TOPSAW to establish firmly the competitive edge for the Canadian hardwood sawmill industry.

37. It is time to establish a Hardwood Sawing Technology Center, make TOPSAW a reality, and regain the competitive edge.

38. Hardwood Sawing Technology Center Goal: To commercialize TOPSAW in 3-4 years Objectives: 1.Develop a $5-600,000 per unit CT log scanner 2.Refine the optimization software 3.Develop a log set-up system to accurately and quickly orient and position the log for sawing

39. Cost over 4 years With sawmill equipments $3.5 million Without sawmill equipments $2.5 million

40. TOPSAW Benefits Individual Sawmills Increased Profit Sawmill Industry Strengthened Global Competitiveness Nation Enhanced Resource Conservation Consumers Improved Lumber Quality